Friday, February 28, 2014

The musical term “forte” means in a loud
forceful manner.I would probably tell
my orchestra to play “Joyful Joyful We Adore Thee” in a forte mindset.That tune is meant to be played loudly and
forcefully, and joyfully also.

If my house was on fire, I would probably
use a “forte” voice, maybe even a “fortissimo” voice. “Fortissimo” simply means ‘even louder than
“forte”’.

I've know a few “forte” people in my
time. They were simply loud, often even
very loud.

My Mom would have declared my drums as
“fortissimo” when I first got them. Poor
Mom, God rest her soul.

There is a time and place for everything
– even “forte” and “fortissimo”.

Monday, February 17, 2014

“Ritardando” is a musical term that
simply means “to slow the tempo gradually”.It is often found at the end of a phrase of music and often found at the
very end of a piece.It is a conductor’s
way of lingering a little longer with a particular passage.

Ritard (the shortened version) is a good
thing in life sometimes. There are
moments when we should savor the experience – like our wedding day, or an
incredibly delicious dessert.

When Carolyn and I visit Hawaii I plan to
have a bunch of “Ritardando” moments. We
are going to suck the very marrow out of every moment of our Hawaiian
experience.

Have you ever had a “Ritardando”
conversation, one in which you wanted it to never end? Then you know the value of going slowly,
savoring and sapping up every moment of life.

Oh yes.
It is a good idea to “Ritardando” at busy intersections and traffic
lights. Just a bit of free advice there.

Monday, February 10, 2014

“Piano” is a musical term meaning “played
or sung softly”. “Pianissimo” is its first cousin and that means “play even
softer”.

Moonlight
Sonata
by Beethoven begins at the dynamic level of “piano”.

When I use music to help fall asleep, it
generally needs to be “piano” in volume.

The Seattle Seahawks won the Super Bowl
this year. Seattle is being touted as
one of the noisiest crowds at a sporting event.
Don’t go to a game expecting to be soothed and calmed. You won’t hear “piano” at a Seahawks game.

Ah, but after the game, when you get back
home, put on your happy pants, slip into your favorite chair or sofa, and play
whatever music brings a “piano” moment for you. Just before dozing off, be sure and change to
some “pianissimo” so you are not awakened from your dreams.

Friday, February 7, 2014

The Baroque era would be a fine example
of the ‘embellishment period.”They were
famous in architecture for lots of curly-cues and adornments in an effort to
make a building more attractive for the day.

In Baroque music, you will hear lots of
embellishments. These include trills, a
series of a few notes as a before thought when the main passage is sung or
played. Some famous Baroque composers
include: Handel, Bach and Vivaldi.

I embellished my wardrobe once by
purchasing a pocket watch. I also have a
fine collection of neckties that act as embellishments.

I love it when Carolyn embellishes
herself for our special date nights. She
looks stunning.

Resumes are sometimes embellished, as are
facts in the newspaper.

And with that I’ll stop. You mean we can’t believe everything we read
these days?

Monday, February 3, 2014

Diminuendo in music means “a gradual
decrease in loudness”.A diminuendo adds
color, interest, and beauty to a musical passage.

I've had a few diminuendo moments in my
life. Once, I arrived early for a church
music job while the other music guy was still there. He was scheduled to direct the choir in one
more presentation and then he would be gone.

I found myself having to play a
diminuendo passage for that weekend. He
was in charge and it was his last moment to shine. My role was to step aside and allow him his
final moment in the spotlight.

Sometimes we live out loud – sometimes we
diminuendo.

Ah - knowing which is needed – that is
the art of living a successful life.